The Federal Reserve's policymaking committee has issued a cautiously optimistic report that says moderate economic growth is producing "solid job gains and declining unemployment." The tone suggests the central bank is close to raising its benchmark interest rate, possibly as early as mid-September. The Federal Open Market Committee has unanimously voted to keep interest rates close to zero a little longer. MarketWatch (29 Jul.) U.S. News & World Report (29 Jul.) The New York Times (free-article access for SmartBrief readers) (29 Jul.)

The International Monetary Fund has warned of modest medium-term growth for the eurozone and that the European Central Bank might need to print money beyond September 2016. "Directors urged policymakers to use all the available instruments, if needed, to manage contagion risks that might originate from Greece," according to the IMF. "They also highlighted the need to continue enhancing the architecture of the monetary union and European firewalls." Financial Times (tiered subscription model) (27 Jul.) Bloomberg (27 Jul.) Reuters (27 Jul.) BBC (27 Jul.)

At the end of the second quarter, private equity funds held a record $1.3 trillion of uncommitted funds for future investments, according to data provider Preqin. Buyout funds accounted for $475 billion of that amount. Funds focused on real estate investments accounted for $253 billion. ThinkAdvisor (29 Jul.)

Officials are waiting for a ministerial decree before trading can resume on Greece's stock market. Greece received approval Tuesday from the European Central Bank to reopen the market, which has been closed since June 29. Reuters (29 Jul.)